Michael Dorn, left, of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," plays two character in his first major Shakespearean thatrical role. He's among the cast of William Shakespeare's “As You Like It” in Los Angeles.

Michael Dorn as Duke Senior, Diane Venora as Jaques in "As You Like It." Dorn was encouraged by his "Star Trek" cast mate Patrick Stewart to try Shakespeare.

Michael Dorn as Duke Senior, Peter Cambor as Orlando in a scene from "As You Like It." You might not recognize him out of make-up, but Michael Dorn's rich baritone voice has hints of his famous “Star Trek: The Next Generation” character, Lieutenant Commander Worf.

Michaeal Dorn, 59, is a Texas native who has been acting professionally since 1976.

Dorn, right, says his "Star Trek" popularity has given him the freedom to pursue the roles and projects he wants. Dorn has written three scripts and would like to direct.

You might not recognize him out of make-up, but Michael Dorn’s rich baritone voice has hints of his famous “Star Trek: The Next Generation” character, Lieutenant Commander Worf.

Dorn’s stoic Klingon has appeared in more TV episodes and films than any other Star Trek character, and Worf remains by far his most celebrated role.

But the veteran 59-year-old Texas native has been working steadily in TV since the 1970s.

Fans will get the rare opportunity to see Dorn onstage (and not wearing Worf’s crenellated facial prosthetics) when he appears in two roles, Duke Senior and his brother Duke Frederick, in William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” in Los Angeles.

Directed by Royal Shakespeare Company artist Kenn Sabberton and set in the present day, the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles production runs through July 29 at the Japanese Garden on the grounds of the VA West Los Angeles Healthcare Center Campus.

We caught up with Dorn between rehearsals earlier this month to ask him about the production.

The Orange County Register:How are the Japanese Garden and the VA grounds being utilized?

Michael Dorn: Well, it’s a Shakespeare in the Park setting, which is something L.A. doesn’t see that much of, although we have spectacular weather for it. There’s going to be veterans involved in minor roles. They’re trying to develop an ongoing relationship with the VA. It’s a beautiful location.

The Register:What’s it like to play two warring brothers?

Dorn: The first thing I wanted to do was figure out what makes them different. As you read the play you can tell that Duke Senior is a good guy. He’s fair. When he’s cast out into the forest he doesn’t make too much noise about it. He tries to instill optimism in everyone who came with him. The younger Duke, as with all usurpers, continues to usurp. He’s constantly in a state of figuring out who’s trying to get him, and how can he keep hold of his power. I did this one thing: the younger Duke doesn’t smile, and the older one does. There are very few costume differences, so it’s going to have to all be in the attitude.

The Register:What is your background with Shakespeare?

Dorn: Well, my initial experience was that I worked with a lot of Shakespearean actors on “Star Trek” – Patrick Stewart, for example. That was it until about two years ago when a good friend of mine was doing a small urban film, a version of “Henry IV Part 2.” That’s when I really got immersed in it. I loved it. I really got clued into the politics and genius of this guy. What’s kind of depressing is that the things that he was talking about that happened back in those days are happening today. I remember one of the speeches in “Henry IV” is a father telling his son that whenever you screw up and people are getting close to figuring you out, start a war someplace else – preferably in the Middle East. I almost fell out of my chair when I first read that.

The Register:Why didn’t you try Shakespeare earlier in your career?

Dorn: I remember Patrick (Stewart) said once, “With that voice I’m going to make a Shakespearean actor out of you if it kills me!” And (my voice) does lend itself to Shakespeare. I’d always wanted to make a start in theater but never had the opportunity. Fortunately I was able to get jobs in TV and the movies right away.

The Register:“Star Trek” has given you the freedom to do whatever interests you. What does?

Dorn: I love small movies. I think they’re the most fun. It’s hard work, but it’s the most creative situation you can get. There isn’t the money there that creates egos and entourages and things like that. People are there because they love the script and the director. I’ve also written three scripts and I’d like to direct all of them. One is close to being funded: a romantic comedy with a lot of the “Star Trek” actors in it. I also wrote a biopic about Maria Callas. The third one is like a pilot for a series like “Top Gun” and “Law and Order” put together.

The Register:We understand your favorite hobby is flying.

Dorn: I couldn’t fly much while I was in “Star Trek,” but I fly a lot now. I fly into Orange County a bunch and my favorite destinations are all over California and Nevada.

The Register:Your voice isn’t as low as Worf’s.

Dorn: No, but when I was doing the part my voice all of a sudden got lower. Even when I wasn’t working I’d still be talking that low. I was flying out of Van Nuys and said to (the tower), “SoCal approach, this is so-and-so turning right to 210.” The guy said, “Is this Worf?” I said, “Uh, yes it is.” He said, “Man, I love your show!” I was pretty identifiable back then.

Performing arts writer Paul Hodgins has worked at The Orange County Register since 1993. He spent more than two decades as the Register’s theater critic, and for eight years he covered dance as well. In the Food section, he writes a column about wine, beer and spirits, and he occasionally reports on architecture, style and design for Coast and OC Home. Hodgins has also written for American Theatre, Backstage West, The SOMM Journal, The Sondheim Review, The Tasting Panel, Variety and the San Diego Union-Tribune. Hodgins was a performing arts professor at the University of California, Irvine and held similar positions at Eastern Michigan University and Simon Fraser University. He has taught journalism at California State University Fullerton since 2001. Hodgins earned a doctorate in music from the University of Southern California. He lives in Huntington Beach.

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